Google Workspace Changes

Smart Compose is now available for G Suite for Education and Nonprofits users in Google Docs.

Smart Compose helps users compose high-quality content faster by suggesting text to reduce repetitive writing and minimize the chance of spelling and grammatical errors. This feature is available for Google Docs on the web in English.

Autocorrect is now available for G Suite for Education and Nonprofits users in Google Docs.

Autocorrect helps users compose documents more quickly and with confidence by automatically correcting misspelled words while typing in Google Docs on the web in English. Corrected words are denoted with a grey dashed underline that disappears as the user continues typing.

Call transferring is now available in Google Voice mobile and web apps.

Users can now transfer calls using the Google Voice mobile apps on Android and iOS, as well as the web application. The feature allows users to send calls to intelligently-suggested contacts, contacts found via directory search, or manually entered phone numbers.

Google Voice is now available within Gmail for Chrome and Firefox browsers.

Google Voice is now integrated into Gmail for users on Chrome or Firefox browsers, allowing them to make and receive calls without switching tabs. The interface mirrors the Voice web application, enabling users to answer calls, initiate outbound calls, and transfer calls directly from Gmail.

Google launched a new standalone Progressive Web Application (PWA) for Google Chat.

Google has introduced a new standalone Google Chat app as a Progressive Web Application (PWA), providing a fast and reliable experience on any desktop device with Google Chrome browser version 73 and up. The PWA integrates with the device's operating system to function like a native app, ensures security through automatic Chrome updates, and allows admins to deploy the app to all users via the Admin console. It is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Chrome OS, and Linux.

New Google Groups interface is now generally available with a streamlined UI and improved controls.

Google has launched a new interface for Google Groups, featuring a modern UI similar to other G Suite apps like Gmail. This update provides a more efficient experience with consolidated settings, simplified group creation, and improved filtering and search options. While most common features are included, some advanced tools such as collaborative inboxes, tags, and categories are currently only available in the classic interface. Admins can manage the transition via a new setting in the Admin console.

Google Drive introduces a beta program to allow sharing of specific folders within shared drives.

Google is launching a beta program that enables managers of shared drives to share specific folders with other users or upgrade member access to provide additional permissions on specific folders. This allows for more granular collaboration, such as sharing a specific project folder with an external agency while keeping the rest of the shared drive internal. Access levels for folders can only be expanded, not reduced, from the shared drive level. Additionally, starting September 1, 2020, moving folders into or between shared drives will require manager permissions on both the original and target locations.

Distribute digital certificates to iOS and Android devices via MDM for secure access.

Google is now allowing the issuance of digital certificates to iOS and Android devices for secure access to G Suite and other corporate resources, even when devices are not connected to the corporate network. This functionality is available to G Suite Enterprise, G Suite Enterprise for Education, and Cloud Identity Premium customers using Google Endpoint Management via an on-premises connector.

Change to the format of secondary Calendar and resource IDs

Starting June 3, 2020, the calendar IDs associated with newly created secondary calendars and resources will no longer include the G Suite account’s domain name. While this is a cosmetic change and does not affect Google Calendar functionality, users who maintain scripts that parse or extract domain names from these IDs will need to update their scripts to ensure continued operation.

Voice controls beta for shared meeting spaces

Voice controls are now available in beta for shared meeting spaces to facilitate touch-free meetings. Customers can sign up for the beta, with general availability expected in the coming months.

Updated ASUS Google Meet compute system

Google is refreshing existing ASUS kits with a new Google Meet compute system (formerly Chromebox). This updated system is slimmer, easier to deploy, and features an Intel i7 processor with a 128GB SSD, screwless and magnetic mounting, and single-sided ports for better cable management.

New ASUS starter kit for Google Meet Hardware

Google is introducing a new ASUS starter kit for Google Meet Hardware, designed for those who take frequent video conferences from home or from smaller-sized rooms. The kit includes a Huddly camera, speakermic, compute system, and a remote control, offering a more affordable and space-efficient solution for face-to-face connectivity.

Existing classic Hangouts conversations with external users will now appear in Google Chat.

Beginning May 18, 2020, conversations with external users in classic Hangouts will automatically appear in Google Chat as new messages are sent, facilitating a smoother transition between the two platforms.

Google Chat now allows conversations with people outside of your domain via direct messages or rooms.

Starting May 26, 2020, users can start conversations in Google Chat with external users by sending direct messages or adding them to rooms designated as 'External'. External users must have a Google Account and will be identified by an 'external' badge. Admins can control this functionality through the 'Chat externally' and 'External Rooms' settings in the Admin console.

Google Voice is now generally available in Canada.

Google Voice is now available for G Suite customers based in Canada, allowing them to sign up for the service and assign phone numbers with Canada country codes (+1) to users. Additionally, the ability to port existing Canadian +1 numbers to Google Voice is expected to be available soon.